Serious corrosion on rear differential casing at below fill bolt, leaking fluids. Dealer unable to do anything because part is not a cover as in most vehicles. Dealer only solution is to replace entire rear differential with all parts. This situation presents a serious threat to life as these components are severely and unusually rusted.

- Green Bank, WV, USA

I wanted to report this issue because it was unsafe and I was lucky I wasn't pulling my boat or traveling at high speeds when the failure occurred. Basically the frame for my 4runner rusted all the way through. One brace that is welded to the frame to stabilize the rear of the vehicle broke off the frame on one side. The other side is holding on by a string. There are holes in the frame with pieces missing from rusting out. The frame could in my opinion break in half near the rear of the truck. This seems similar or worse than what I read about the Tacoma trucks. I brought it to the Toyota dealership and that was what the guys said there. The words directly from the service guys were - this is worse than any of the Tacoma's they have seen. They had the regional Toyota rep take pictures and run a report and said they would get back in touch with me soon. That was on 9/9/09. No word back yet. Right now there is no recall on this vehicle that I know about so I wanted to make sure it was reported to you. This could have been a life threatening situation for me and multiple others on the road. They advised the frame was not safe to drive or tow any items and not to have more than two people in the vehicle at one time. The advised to get the frame welded by a welding company.

- Benton Harbor, MI, USA

No crash or injury, but 1997 Toyota 4runner differential is completely rusted through and leaks oil through numerous pinholes. It can't be patched and replacement is in the $1500 range. I can't take the vehicle on trips. I have found many instances of people complaining about this on the web - it seems to be a common problem.

- Dryden, NY, USA